A Day in Arcadia, California: Exploring the Great Outdoors

• Arcadia County Park (9:00am) - Start your day with a visit to Arcadia County Park. This expansive park sits on 127 acres and features numerous picnic areas, a large lagoon, and a variety of walking trails that snake through the natural landscape.
• Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden (11:00am) - Take a stroll through the stunning Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. This sprawling garden boasts a wide range of plant life, as well as several historic buildings, including the Queen Anne Cottage and Santa Anita Depot.
• Eaton Canyon Natural Area (2:00pm) - Hike the trails of the Eaton Canyon Natural Area, which features scenic waterfalls and stunning mountain views. If you're feeling adventurous, take a dip in the swimming hole beneath the falls.
• Santa Anita Park (5:00pm) - Cap off your day with a visit to Santa Anita Park, one of the country's most historic horse racing tracks. Enjoy the exciting atmosphere and maybe even place a bet on a race.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Arcadia County Park (2 hours, free)
• Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden (2 hours, $15 entrance fee)
• Eaton Canyon Natural Area (3 hours, free)
• Santa Anita Park (2 hours, varies depending on bets)
Total Estimated Costs: $15

Transportation

While some of the attractions are relatively close to each other and can be accessed by foot or bike, renting a car or using a ride-share app may be more efficient. Renting a car can cost around $30-$50 for a day, while ride-share apps tend to be reasonably priced. Also consider taking public transportation where possible, like the Gold Line light rail to reach Arcadia and Santa Anita Park.

Useful Tips

If you have some extra time, consider visiting the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. Another idea is to explore the local cuisine at eateries like Daikokuya Arcadia, where you'll find delicious Japanese ramen.

Airports

The closest airport to Arcadia is the Bob Hope Airport (BUR) in Burbank, which is about 18 miles away. The larger Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about 35 miles away.